The Ferrari formula one team has not taken too kindly to media and blog reports which suggest that the barcode is subliminal advertising for the Philip Morris brand of Marlboro , one of the biggest sponsors of the Ferrari F1 team for a long time. Various formula 1 news sites and formula one blogs had reported that the team is using the barcode to advertise Marlboro and could be penalised by EU.

Ferrari’s response is pretty sharp and to the point. They have asked for proof to relate the livery to Philip Morris and have made very direct attacks on the people who are making such accusations. The Times (British newspaper) had reported a story that doctors are demanding action against the Italian outfit for breaking EU laws.

Quotes from the time story :

John Britton, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and director of its tobacco advisory group, said: “The bar code looks like the bottom half of a packet of Marlboro cigarettes. I was stunned when I saw it. This is pushing at the limits. If you look at how the bar code has evolved over the last four years, it looks like creeping branding.”

Gerard Hastings, director of the Centre for Tobacco Control Research, said: “I think this is advertising. Why a bar code? What is their explanation?”

Ferrari formula 1’s response to the allegations :

Scuderia Ferrari and Philip Morris International Sponsorship

Maranello, 29 April – Today and in recent weeks, articles have been published relating to the partnership contract between Scuderia Ferrari and Philip Morris International, questioning its legality. These reports are based on two suppositions: that part of the graphics featured on the Formula 1 cars are reminiscent of the Marlboro logo and even that the red colour which is a traditional feature of our cars is a form of tobacco publicity.

Neither of these arguments have any scientific basis, as they rely on some alleged studies which have never been published in academic journals. But more importantly, they do not correspond to the truth. The so called barcode is an integral part of the livery of the car and of all images coordinated by the Scuderia, as can be seen from the fact it is modified every year and, occasionally even during the season. Furthermore, if it was a case of advertising branding, Philip Morris would have to own a legal copyright on it.

The partnership between Ferrari and Philip Morris is now only exploited in certain initiatives, such as factory visits, meetings with the drivers, merchandising products, all carried out fully within the laws of the various countries where these activities take place. There has been no logo or branding on the race cars since 2007, even in countries where local laws would still have permitted it.

The premise that simply looking at a red Ferrari can be a more effective means of publicity than a cigarette advertisement seems incredible: how should one assess the choice made by other Formula 1 teams to race a car with a predominantly red livery or to link the image of a driver to a sports car of the same colour? Maybe these companies also want to advertise smoking! It should be pointed out that red has been the recognised colour for Italian racing cars since the very beginning of motor sport, at the start of the twentieth century: if there is an immediate association to be made, it is with our company rather than with our partner.

As reported by us earlier, Indian superstar Shahrukh Khan is promoting the Force India formula one team. The ad is obviously aimed at Indian corporate houses too for obvious reasons($$$).

Take a look at the commercial ::

Its not about winning or losing
Its about Glory and Pride
Sometimes you do things only because you believe in them
Believe with me, I want to compete with the Best in the World
I want the World to know that India has arrived
I want the world to feel the force of a billion dreams
Join the FORCE !!!

Also Kingfisher Airlines has broken its sponsorship deal with Toyota Motors with a mutual understanding !

Got a little inspiration after reading Oliver’s post on his blog, so all of you looking to spend a little this Christmas season may like the following items. A very happy holiday season to all !Formula One 2007 Review – One of the most interesting seasons of recent times, it never failed to excite us with all its twists and turns, a look back at the magical 2007 formula one season.

Lewis Hamilton’s Diecast car – Well if you are British, you like Lewis Hamilton dont you ? , so what better way to celebrate christmas that to get a replica of his car.

Ferrari Lego Truck – Ferrari F1 Lego truck with all the Pit guys and the Pit Truck and the Car, something i would truly personally love to own and play with.

Ferrari 2007 Steering Replica – Not for the faint hearted, this baby costs over 1000 pounds, i am sure no one can afford it, but still its a good piece.

Lewis Hamilton T-Shirt – As long as we are talking about Lewis Hamilton, a T-Shirt is also a nice and relatively cheaper way to show your love for this Brit hero.

Ayrton Senna Double S T-Shirt – If you would rather not wear boy wonder on your skin, you might like this Ayrton Senna T-Shirt, good for those nostalgic moments.

Michael Schumacher Record Breaking Cap- And last but not the least Michael Schumacher’s record breaking cap, its a celebration of his illustrious career, the only thing in this list which i personally own.

Hope you enjoyed going through the list ! , remember all links are external.